WR Bryant Johnson visits Bills (1 Viewer)

[schooner44]

Also heard that this was mentioned on Sirius radio and a local radio station in AZ.

http://www.billsinsider.com/index.php?name...e&sid=14449

This is a great move for the struggling Buffalo offense and Johnson is a very good compliment to Lee Evans. Both players should benefit from the other presence.

 

[gman8343]

Both players should benefit from the other presence.

agreed

 

[redman]

Both players should benefit from the other presence.

agreed

. . . well, for one year anyway.

 

[schooner44]

Both players should benefit from the other presence.

agreed

. . . well, for one year anyway.

Early rumors are around a 5 year deal for Johnson and Bills message boards are reporting sources in the Bills organization are saying that an extension is being worked on for Evans. Link.

 

[DarabZarrabi]

Am I missing something or was Bryant Johnson a very mediocre wr? He didnt do very much when Boldin was out this past year...I think there will be a very good WR in round 2 for them to grab though too if this means they arent taking someone like Hardy or Kelly early in the first round to compliment Evans' speed....a pass catching TE would be nice true, Im hearing rumors about Ben Troupe...he is amazingly athletic and was pretty crazy at UF but seemed to never get the pro game

 

[schooner44]

Am I missing something or was Bryant Johnson a very mediocre wr? He didnt do very much when Boldin was out this past year.

Johnson started 8 games last year for the Cards and in those games he had 29 rec, 318 yds, 2 TD which projects out over a full season to 58 rec, 636 yds, 4 TDs. Considering the nightmare Arizona had going on at QB last year, I'd say that is fairly productive.

 

[King of the Wolfies]

I must be missing something because rotoworld just reported that Johnson will visit the bears this week.

 

[The Man With No Name]

He hasn't signed, just reached an agreement.

 

[5Rings]

Am I missing something or was Bryant Johnson a very mediocre wr? He didnt do very much when Boldin was out this past year.

Johnson started 8 games last year for the Cards and in those games he had 29 rec, 318 yds, 2 TD which projects out over a full season to 58 rec, 636 yds, 4 TDs. Considering the nightmare Arizona had going on at QB last year, I'd say that is fairly productive.

I agree its a needed upgrade for Buffalo, but when you excuse BJ's mediocre #s due to the "nightmare at QB in AZ last year", of what do you speak?AZ QBs combined for 4200 yds and 32 TDs last year.

 

[teamroc]

Am I missing something or was Bryant Johnson a very mediocre wr? He didnt do very much when Boldin was out this past year.

Johnson started 8 games last year for the Cards and in those games he had 29 rec, 318 yds, 2 TD which projects out over a full season to 58 rec, 636 yds, 4 TDs. Considering the nightmare Arizona had going on at QB last year, I'd say that is fairly productive.

The nightmare Arizona QBs that were light years ahead of Buffalo's production. Take Buffalo's passing attack from the last 2 years; add it together, and it’s pretty much what Arizona did last year.But I'm not surprised a Bills fan being clueless about passing. You haven't seen any in years.

 

[DarabZarrabi]

Am I missing something or was Bryant Johnson a very mediocre wr? He didnt do very much when Boldin was out this past year.

Johnson started 8 games last year for the Cards and in those games he had 29 rec, 318 yds, 2 TD which projects out over a full season to 58 rec, 636 yds, 4 TDs. Considering the nightmare Arizona had going on at QB last year, I'd say that is fairly productive.

The nightmare Arizona QBs that were light years ahead of Buffalo's production. Take Buffalo's passing attack from the last 2 years; add it together, and it’s pretty much what Arizona did last year.But I'm not surprised a Bills fan being clueless about passing. You haven't seen any in years.

Haha pretty much what I was going to say...I said Johnson was very mediocre...and the evidence that he wasnt mediocre is that he would have had 636 yards and 4 td?!?! Those same qbs faired pretty well for Fitz and Anquon...not to mention the fact that Trent Edwards and the blizzards in December are not going to be conducive to anything better...Bryant is suited to be a slot receiver, the Bills really need a possession over the middle guy if they want attention off Evans

 

[Jous]

I agree, this is nothing but a patchwork, "man I hope this works" type of signing than truly filling one of the teams' needs. Johnson is probably not good enough to be a productive starting wideout, and even if they elect to use him in the slot, he will probably not be as productive there either because he doesn't have 2 quality WR's for the other team to focus on, leaving him open in the slot.

 

[Deadman31]

Johnson is mediocre, but Ben Troupe isnt? Did I miss something?

 

[Gnat Berries]

Johnson could be a valuable complement Lee Evans. He's a classic big WR who will never be a valid #1 option, but could thrive as a #2 WR with a burner playing #1WR and a decent running game keeping defenses honest.

That's the exact situation the Bills have.

I just PRAY they signed Johnson's numbers and talent and NOT his ego.

 

[Joseph]

I'm not sure this is a done deal. Russ Brandon was just on the radio and was asked about the Bryant Johnson rumors. He was coy about it, but said that "Bryant Johnson isn't in the building here." He wouldn't say that he wasn't in buffalo, and didn't say that he was signed either. He noted that as soon as a signing happened that station would be the first to know...

I'd imagine they're probably close, but that nothing has been worked out yet.

 

[redman]

Both players should benefit from the other presence.

agreed

. . . well, for one year anyway.

Early rumors are around a 5 year deal for Johnson and Bills message boards are reporting sources in the Bills organization are saying that an extension is being worked on for Evans. Link.

I'll believe this when I see it. My impression (from afar, I admit) was that Evans was very dissatisfied with the situation there and wanted to test the FA waters in 2009.

 

[Bob Henry]

I was about to add him to the Bills depth chart, but I've yet to see any source confirmation from AP/NFL/ESPN, etc. Anything official official yet?

 

[Joseph]

I was about to add him to the Bills depth chart, but I've yet to see any source confirmation from AP/NFL/ESPN, etc. Anything official official yet?

summary of the interview this morning: There's a link to the audio of the interview on there too for anyone who's interested.http://www.wgr550.com/bills/fullstory.php?id=3104

Brandon: Bills On To "Phase Two"

Nick Mendola - Monday, March 3, 2008 - 8:07 AM

Listen To Audio

Bills COO Russ Brandon on The Howard Simon Show

Exclusive WGR 550 Windows Media Audio

(WGR 550)- After landing three defensive players during the first weekend of free agency, Bills chief operating officer Russ Brandon is ready to move onto "Phase Two," beginning with wide receiver.

Brandon joined The Howard Simon Show, and spent part of Monday morning addressing the offensive side of the ball, including multiple reports that the Bills had signed Arizona Cardinals wide-out Bryant Johnson.

"We’re heading into 'Phase Two' now, and obviously Bryant’s a player who’s drawn a lot of interest," Brandon said. "I haven't seen Johnson in this building. There are no other reports other than the speculation. I don’t know if he’s in town, but he’s not in this building."

Admitting that the team is looking for depth at wide-out after cutting ties with Peerless Price, Brandon said the team is looking at free agency and the draft, as well as extending their current No. 1, Lee Evans.

"We’ve had dialogue with Lee, and we’d love to have him as part of this franchise for many years to come," Brandon said, adding that big numbers for this year's crop of receivers hurt more than help the Bills.

Not surprisingly, the chief operating officer was more interested in talking about the team's weekend additions of linebacker Kawika Mitchell, and defensive linemen Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson.

"We had been working on a plan over the last few months," Brandon said. "Collectively, we wanted to get after the defensive line, and we had ear-marker Kawika and Spencer, so to have the opportunity to land players early was important. To land a player the caliber of Marcus Stroud was pretty easy. To add a player with his explosiveness, and a three-time Pro Bowler (was easy)."

Brandon said the weekend's free agent frenzy forces the team to constantly retool their draft board.

"We mock draft a lot of scenarios to keep pulse on other teams and their needs," Brandon said. "It's an exhilirating process, a nerve-racking process."

For more, including how Brandon's role has changed in the past year, click on the link above or head to the Audio Vault for the entire interview.

 

[TheFanatic]

What is the Bills FO smoking? BJ is not the answer. Yeah, that guy is going to draw the double team off of Evans!?!?!

 

[Joseph]

What is the Bills FO smoking? BJ is not the answer. Yeah, that guy is going to draw the double team off of Evans!?!?!

Depending on what they have to pay him, I agree. If they can get him for relatively cheap, he's a clear improvement over what they have at WR 2, and he gives them something they don't have on the team at all (a big target).

 

[Brutis]

What is the Bills FO smoking? BJ is not the answer. Yeah, that guy is going to draw the double team off of Evans!?!?!

A rookie WR sure wont draw a double team off Evans either. A rookie WR I doubt will even start opposite evans this year.

 

[Joseph]

What is the Bills FO smoking? BJ is not the answer. Yeah, that guy is going to draw the double team off of Evans!?!?!

A rookie WR sure wont draw a double team off Evans either. A rookie WR I doubt will even start opposite evans this year.

There's still the possibility they take a rookie WR even with Bryant Johnson in the fold.Ben Troupe is in for a visit sometime this week too, so its way too early to think the Bills are done in FA.

 

[Banger]

Good signing. He's a big upgrade over the trash they've had there the last few years.

 

[Mustang Man]

I thought Bryant Johnson was more of a speedster type. I would think the Bills would need more of a big possession type wr to go over the middle and be a 3rd down threat. I do not think BJ is that.

 

[Joseph]

I thought Bryant Johnson was more of a speedster type. I would think the Bills would need more of a big possession type wr to go over the middle and be a 3rd down threat. I do not think BJ is that.

ESPN's scouts inc profile on him:2007 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.Grade: 65 | KeyAlert: NoneComment: Johnson is well-built, physical and fast. He has quality tools and a good feel for the game. He can find voids in coverage when a play breaks down. He knows how to use his size and strength to create separation. He is a solid intermediate target. He has decent hands and can be an effective route runner. But Johnson's focus and consistency need to improve. He sometimes appeared frustrated with his role as Arizona's No. 3 receiver last season. His play seemed lackadaisical at times. He will peek at defenders around him in traffic and drop balls as a result. He muffs easy catches due to poor concentration. He makes many of the plays he should, but he doesn't offer much big-play ability. He doesn't play up to his timed speed. His effort as a route runner and downfield blocker could be better. He could be even more physical and a little tougher.

 

[Jason Wood]

I like Bryant Johnson more than most it seems; but much like Berrian signing in Minnesota, this move isn't giving me warm fuzzies from a fantasy perspective.

 

[GroveDiesel]

The thread title should probably be changed to "rumored to have reached a deal." There's definitely no confirmations at all at this point.

With the rumors of how much money he was looking for, I wouldn't be happy if the Bills signed him for that amount of money.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

I like Bryant Johnson more than most it seems; but much like Berrian signing in Minnesota, this move isn't giving me warm fuzzies from a fantasy perspective.

I hate to say it as a Bills fan, but even Evans won't do that well from a fantasy perspective. B.Johnson will not put up great stats for us IF he signs. I think he could be a decent fit for us and can help us win games, but I'm not sure about the contract he wants.I feel that we are going to be paying him almost stud money when he is a little above average. I feel the Bills are settling on average when we could be going with M.Kelly in the draft and getting a potential stud. Sure, he might become a bust, but take that chance. Why settle on mediocrity?

 

[Joseph]

I like Bryant Johnson more than most it seems; but much like Berrian signing in Minnesota, this move isn't giving me warm fuzzies from a fantasy perspective.

I hate to say it as a Bills fan, but even Evans won't do that well from a fantasy perspective. B.Johnson will not put up great stats for us IF he signs. I think he could be a decent fit for us and can help us win games, but I'm not sure about the contract he wants.I feel that we are going to be paying him almost stud money when he is a little above average. I feel the Bills are settling on average when we could be going with M.Kelly in the draft and getting a potential stud. Sure, he might become a bust, but take that chance. Why settle on mediocrity?

Who says they still won't do that? rookie WR's generally can't step in right away, and Lee Evans is a FA after this year. I can't say I'd be unhappy if the Bills put themselves in position where Evans doesn't have all the leverage in a contract negotiation.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Whether or not it's Bryant Johnson, the Bills HAVE TO get a bigger WR. The draft, FA, whatever, they have to do it. The Fairchild offense called for smaller, quicker WRs, almost defying the NFL obsession with big WRs, but now that he's at Colorado State, they need a conventional possession type WR opposite Evans. Johnson fits the bill. I do agree with Woodrow's basic vibe that Buffalo is not a good landing place from a fantasy perspective. Jauron will lean on Lynch (as he should) and the passing should be conservative, save for the occasional shot downfield to Evans.

 

[Joseph]

Whether or not it's Bryant Johnson, the Bills HAVE TO get a bigger WR. The draft, FA, whatever, they have to do it. The Fairchild offense called for smaller, quicker WRs, almost defying the NFL obsession with big WRs, but now that he's at Colorado State, they need a conventional possession type WR opposite Evans. Johnson fits the bill. I do agree with Woodrow's basic vibe that Buffalo is not a good landing place from a fantasy perspective. Jauron will lean on Lynch (as he should) and the passing should be conservative, save for the occasional shot downfield to Evans.

I'm not sure the Bills need a big WR per se, they need a big target in the passing game. I think they might be able to kill 2 birds with one stone and get a big TE target who could serve as their #2 receiving option. Though, given what's out there at TE, I'm not sure Ben Troupe fits that bill.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Whether or not it's Bryant Johnson, the Bills HAVE TO get a bigger WR. The draft, FA, whatever, they have to do it. The Fairchild offense called for smaller, quicker WRs, almost defying the NFL obsession with big WRs, but now that he's at Colorado State, they need a conventional possession type WR opposite Evans. Johnson fits the bill. I do agree with Woodrow's basic vibe that Buffalo is not a good landing place from a fantasy perspective. Jauron will lean on Lynch (as he should) and the passing should be conservative, save for the occasional shot downfield to Evans.

I'm not sure the Bills need a big WR per se, they need a big target in the passing game. I think they might be able to kill 2 birds with one stone and get a big TE target who could serve as their #2 receiving option. Though, given what's out there at TE, I'm not sure Ben Troupe fits that bill.

Good point, the big target doesn't have to be a WR, but I also agree that Troupe isn't the guy. Gaines and Royal were actually pretty effective last year, even though they aren't really weapons or threats to make big plays - still, they aren't the kind of go-to physical big target the Bills need.

 

[GoBills02]

I like Bryant Johnson more than most it seems; but much like Berrian signing in Minnesota, this move isn't giving me warm fuzzies from a fantasy perspective.

I hate to say it as a Bills fan, but even Evans won't do that well from a fantasy perspective. B.Johnson will not put up great stats for us IF he signs. I think he could be a decent fit for us and can help us win games, but I'm not sure about the contract he wants.I feel that we are going to be paying him almost stud money when he is a little above average. I feel the Bills are settling on average when we could be going with M.Kelly in the draft and getting a potential stud. Sure, he might become a bust, but take that chance. Why settle on mediocrity?

Do we really know that Bryant Johnson is average. He has never started more than 8 games in a season. The amount that Johnson is asking is a little high, but what can we expect from the #11 pick, at least 10 -12 million in signing bonus, no? And I'm sorry, after the Mike Williams (OL) debacle, I'm not ready to take a chance on a player and hope they don't become a bust. A rookie WR won't be ready to help us much this year, and I feel this team is putting the pieces in place to make a consistent playoff run.PLus, with this alleged signing, it almost guarantees CB with the #11, or a trade down.

 

[eric rymer]

I'm curious with this signing what kind of numbers can we realistically expect from Johnson.

 

[Brutis]

I'm curious with this signing what kind of numbers can we realistically expect from Johnson.

I have no idea, obviously it will depend on how Edwards progresses. I just know he is much better off then sitting behind boldin and fitz.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm curious with this signing what kind of numbers can we realistically expect from Johnson.

Lot of variables unfortunately......Young QB...New offensive coordinatorThe Bills were 30th in attempts, 29th in pass TDs, 30th in passing yards. Stands to reason they should improve upon that, but enough to allow for TWO viable fantasy wideouts?

 

[Couch Potato]

Not so fast, Buffalo...

Bryant Johnson-WR- Cardinals Mar. 3 - 12:46 pm et

Free agent Bryant Johnson revealed Monday that he has a meeting scheduled with the Redskins.

It sounds like no visit with the Bears has been set up, despite multiple reports coming out of Chicago. Johnson is still at the Bills' facility and they could put on a full-court press to make sure he doesn't leave Buffalo.

Source: buffalobills.com

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Bills were 30th in attempts, 29th in pass TDs, 30th in passing yards. Stands to reason they should improve upon that, but enough to allow for TWO viable fantasy wideouts?

I'm not so sure that Evans will be all that viable with Edwards under center, except in PPR leagues I guess.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

The Fairchild offense called for smaller, quicker WRs, almost defying the NFL obsession with big WRs futiley running Marshawn Lynch into the pile, but now that he's at Colorado State, they need a conventional possession type WR opposite Evans maybe we can run an offense at least slightly more sophisticated that that run by a good high school team.

Fixed.

 

[Musesboy]

Johnson would be a better option than Reed, but he hasn't done that much. When you consider that Boldin and Fitzgerald draw most of the attention, I would want more out of Johnson.

2007 - 45 receptions/87 targets = 51.7% 525 yards (11.7 ypr)

2006 - 40 receptions/75 targets = 53.3% 740 yards (18.5 ypr)

2005 - 40 receptions/73 targets = 54.8% 432 yards (10.8 ypr)

2004 - 49 receptions/99 targets = 49.5% 537 yards (11.0 ypr)

2003 - 35 receptions/72 targets = 48.6% 438 yards (12.5 ypr)

Career:

209 receptions/406 targets = 51.5% 2,672 yards (12.8 ypr)

9 career TDs

100 yard games - none

Multiple TD games - none

From Chris Brown's blog...

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=5903

With the defensive side of the ball satisfactorily addressed in the first wave of free agency, the Bills have begun phase two of their free agent browsing as unrestricted wide receiver Bryant Johnson is in for a visit at One Bills Drive today.

A much anticipated visit, Johnson arrived late this morning and is touring the facility and meeting with members of the coaching staff and front office. He underwent a physical this morning, common procedure for free agent visits.

"I'm definitely looking at the Bills as a potential employer," Johnson told Buffalobills.com. "I like the Bills. I used to watch the Bills a lot back when they went to every Super Bowl in the early 90's. It's a nice facility, I'm enjoying my tour. I definitely like the town. I look forward to hopefully becoming a Buffalo Bill."

The Bills have made no secret that they'd like to add some size to their receiving corps.

"We'd like to get a big receiver," said **** Jauron last month. "We would. We'd like to get a big receiver that's a playmaker."

Johnson seems like a legitimate candidate to fit that bill. At 6'3" 213 pounds the 26-year old Johnson offers the size and strength Buffalo has been looking for on the outside to complement number one wideout Lee Evans.

Operating as the team's third wideout for the Cardinals behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, Johnson over the last four years has averaged almost 44 receptions and over 550 yards per season. He has nine touchdown receptions in his five-year career.

There's little doubt Johnson is looking to be more than a third option in an NFL offense and would welcome the opportunity to land the number two receiver role in Buffalo.

"I'm definitely looking for a bigger role and to have more opportunities to show my ability," said Johnson.

One of the main reasons Jauron and his offensive staff is looking for size on the outside is to improve Buffalo's red zone production. The Bills finished 30th in the league last season in red zone touchdown percentage reaching the end zone on just 13 of their 34 opportunities in 2007. With no true receiving option for jump balls and fade passes in the corners of the end zone, Buffalo's red zone package was limited.

"I like a bigger receiver only because sometimes you can throw to him when he's not open," said Jauron. "He can outreach, he can block with his body, he can block out. I'd like some size there. I really would."

"With my size and jumping ability they were definitely able to use me on the fade routes and once you get teams off balance expecting a fade then you can run slant routes and you can use your double moves," Johnson said. "I have those types of abilities in the red zone."

Another prerequisite that Jauron is looking for in addition to size is the ability to play in challenging weather knowing the wind and snow that Buffalo can dish out in November and December.

"We need a physical receiver that can play in our weather," Jauron said. "He's got to play in severe conditions."

Although Johnson has played in Arizona his entire professional career, he is comfortable playing in poor weather after a four-year college career at Penn State where playing in the Big Ten conference can offer some challenging elements.

Johnson also has a free agent visit scheduled with the Redskins.

 

[gianmarco]

Can we please change the title to this already since no deal has been reached as of yet and it's been titled this way since yesterday.

 

[OC Zed]

Can we please change the title to this already since no deal has been reached as of yet and it's been titled this way since yesterday.

And/or merge it with the other Bryant Johnson thread.

 

[Gottabesweet]

bump

 

[Couch Potato]

bump

If the previously mentioned agenda holds, he s/b in Washington today talking about their #2 spot along side Santana. I've seen no word on anything yet today.

 

[OC Zed]

bump

If the previously mentioned agenda holds, he s/b in Washington today talking about their #2 spot along side Santana. I've seen no word on anything yet today.

The less buzz, the better for the Bills if they have drawn a line in the sand on their price.